The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

At the time I am writing this, the forecast for the next couple weeks has us nowhere near at or above freezing. With the cold we have already experienced and will continue to experience, it brings with it concerns of safety. Hypothermia and...

One of the traits I admire about people are those who can make other people laugh. Some of the most memorable times I recall have been with people who have made me laugh. With the many things we are responsible for and worry about on a daily basis,...

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, deadly gas. This is why it is so dangerous. High concentrations can cause death within just a few minutes of breathing it while lower levels can make you sick. When appliances are properly...

We all know we should do more of this but we do not seem to do it. It is to drink more water. Although there are many people who do drink water as their beverage of choice, many of us others could definitely increase our water intake. But why? You...

It seems this time of year brings forth the anxiousness of re-evaluating our finances and looking to cut costs. For most families, food is one of the highest monthly expenses. How about making a “game plan” before going shopping? Having a...

With the new year upon us, resolutions may be on your mind. Have you found how easy they are to make but not as easy to keep? Those who make new year’s resolutions are 10 times more likely to accomplish the changes than those who do not formally...

Do not let the fun and joy of friends and family gatherings be ruined by being sick from eating foods which were improperly cooked, cooled and/or held at improper temperatures. Here are reminders about preparing and keeping food safe: • Clean hands...

As we say goodbye to November and move into December, for some people, the thought of the holiday season brings heightened anxiety and pressure. For others, it is like floating on a cloud, they have anticipated it the whole year. For those who are...

Open a Montana Medical Savings Account before Dec. 31 and save about $242 on your 2018 Montana Income Taxes Have you had any medical expenses so far this this year that weren’t covered by your health insurance policy, a flexible spending account...

Meal Planning November 27, 2018 Big Sandy Library Stop by anytime between 3:00 and 6:00 pm and work on developing a personalized meal plan. Leave with a printed menu, recipes, grocery list and daily nutrient intake values to meet your dietary needs....

In keeping with National Diabetes Month in November, I wanted to share a free diabetes cooking and meal planning resource. It is called Diabetes Food Hub™ and is available at www.diabetesfoodhub.org. The American Diabetes Association just released...

One type of diabetes you may not see a lot about is gestational diabetes. With November being National Diabetes Month, this year the educational efforts are being focused on promoting health after gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is...

Do you feel bombarded by health information and not sure whether to believe it or not? It comes at us from all directions—written, electronic and verbally. But how do we know the good from the bad? Take into consideration the source—who wrote... Full story

According to the Montana Department of Health and Human Services (DPHHS) article from October 2, 2018, influenza (flu) cases are showing up early this season in Montana. Influenza is a contagious, upper-respiratory disease caused by different...

Does anyone recall being told as a kid eating too much sugar would rot your teeth? Or, perhaps you have caught yourself telling a child the same thing? Have you ever wondered if it was true and, if so, why? As we find out the older we get, many of...

National 4-H Week, October 7-13, 2018 For the 76th consecutive year, millions of youth, families, volunteers and alumni across the country having engaged in many different activities celebrating National 4-H Week this week (October 7-13). This year...

Getting Your Home Ready for Winter With snow being seen around the state lately, it is a reminder that we need to make some preparations for the winter season that is upon us. Here are some ideas to get you started. 1. Check seals around doors and wi...

The fastest growing segment of the population in the United States are older adults. This group is uniquely vulnerable to financial scams. Con artists find them as attractive prey because older adults are thought to have a “nest egg,” have excell...

September is National Sewing Month!! It started in 1982 in recognition of the importance of home sewing to our Nation. Not that we should need it but anytime an excuse comes up to sew, I take it. However, more and more things seem to pile up and crow...

Diet is one of the most powerful ways we can reduce the onset of disease. Healthy eating patterns can help prevent obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes. Healthy eating patterns don’t have to be boring or restricting....

People suffer heat-related illness when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded. The body normally cools itself by sweating. However, under some conditions, sweating just isn’t enough. In such cases, a person’s body temperature rise...

Caregivers for patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia face special challenges. Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia often involves a team of people. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 16.1 million Americans provide unpaid...

FLOOD CLEANUP When faced with a flooded basement, house or other buildings, the last thing you might think about is the indoor air quality. Failure to remove contaminated items/materials and reduce the moisture and humidity can present serious long-t...

Are you bothered by congestion or sinusitis due to season allergies? While drinking more fluids, increasing omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin C, and taking decongestants and antihistamines are some ways to cope with the symptoms, clearing your nasal pa...

With the number of natural disasters happening currently and in the past year, have you thought about how prepared you are if your access to drinking water was cut off or contaminated? Here are some key points to consider for being prepared ahead of...